Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Dietmar Hamann has revealed he would like to sign a new contract at Manchester City.

The 34-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a renaissance under Sven Goran Eriksson and has played a key part in the team's success this term.

Although discussions have not taken place over a new deal, with his present contract set to expire at the end of the season, the German veteran is keen to thrash out extended terms.-Setanta Sports

Hamman's renaissance this season has most definitely been a surprise after his non-event of his debut season during 2006/07.

He has obviously been buoyed by the arrival of Eriksson (who himself admits how surprised he has been by Hamman) and has had an injury free off-season which meant he hit the ground running in pre-season and continued this into the Premiership, and has played an important role in the development of Michael Johnson.

The difficulty in contract negotiations I imagine would be the length of the deal, given that Hamman would look for a two year extension, whilst his age and previous injury problems may limit the clubs offer to a single year offer.

A lot could well depend on the money available to Eriksson both in January and next summer, and who arrives at the club but for me Hamman has certainly warranted another season, particularly as Eriksson looks to build on the squad going into next season.